BENDIGO stepped out in support of cancer research at the weekend.
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More than 70 teams participated in Bendigo's Relay for Life at the La Trobe University athletics track.
Teams displayed banners, dressed in colourful costumes and ditched sleep in favour of completing laps around the track at the 21-hour event.
The event raised about $168,000 for the Cancer Council.
Awards were presented at the closing ceremony.
Rainbow Warriors raised $16,061 - the most of any team at the Bendigo relay.
Teams to raise more than $5000 included the Road Runners, Strategem, Women of Note, Team Justice, Terri's Troupe, the Bravehearts, Team Spirit and Grease Lightening.
The award for the best-themed team went to the Bravehearts.
The award for the best-dressed tent site went to Terri's Troupe which also won the best batton.
Girton Grammar School won the best youth/school team award.
The best candle display went to Caring Carers and Team Believe won the Pam Quin Award with Rainbow Warriors receiving the Michelle King Award.
It was an emotionally charged event with friends and families remembering loved ones lost.
Cancer survivors held their heads high while those still fighting the fight shared their stories.
Terri Stockz told the Bendigo Advertiser she was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, then given the all clear by doctors in 2010.
A year later the cancer returned.
To help others in their fight, Ms Stockz raised money for the Cancer Council through the Relay for Life. "You don't get a second chance, you have to get up and live," she said.
You don't get a second chance, you have to get up and live.
- Terri Stockz